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Designing a Cognitive Priming Plan

Updated this week

Cognitive Priming is used to activate the brain before training or competition.

It sharpens focus, improves reaction time, and heightens readiness without adding fatigue.

Priming is about activation, not adaptation. It gives a short-term boost in performance but does not create long-term change.

Priming is completely different from Brain Endurance Training. It’s not a structured program; it’s a quick neural tune-up. Don’t overthink task selection. Keep it intense, short, and sharp, and cap the total duration at 12 minutes before training for maximum effect.


Purpose

  • Prepare the brain before training or competition

  • Improve attention, reaction time, and readiness

  • Sync brain and body before the main load


Structure

  • 4 cognitive blocks × 3 minutes each

  • Performed between warm-up or mobility drills

  • Total time: around 12 minutes


When to Use

  • Pre-training sessions

  • One day before competition

  • After long travel or mental fatigue

  • On low-energy days


Setup

  • Task intensity: 70–100%

  • Task duration: 3 minutes each

  • Total time: up to 12 minutes

  • Pair with light mobility, jogging, or footwork

Goal: Prime the system, don’t fatigue it.


Optional: Use PFTT to Track Readiness

Run the Psychomotor Fatigue Threshold Test before and after the session to measure readiness and fatigue.


Example Flow

  1. (Optional) Pre-Priming PFTT

  2. 3-min task + mobility work

  3. 3-min task + dynamic drills

  4. 3-min task + reactive work

  5. 3-min task + finish warm-up

  6. Main session or event

  7. (Optional) Post-session PFTT


Keep It Engaging

Rotate priming plans every 3–4 weeks and switch modes to keep the brain challenged and responsive.

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